Printing Apparatus Destaticizing Electrode Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In printing apparatuses, electrification of the recording medium leads to sticking issues with the driving roller, inaccurate tension control, and contamination of the discharge head due to uneven destaticization and ion balance problems.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus configuration that includes a driving roller, a supporting member, a discharge head, and two destaticizing portions: a first destaticizing portion upstream of the driving roller to prevent sticking and a second destaticizing portion between the driving roller and the discharge head to ensure thorough destaticization, along with an insulating layer on the supporting member to optimize ion distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single destaticizing device is used, then the structure is simple, but uneven destaticization occurs causing mist-like liquid to adhere to the discharge head

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedestaticizing device structureVSAvoiddestaticization uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The destaticizing device is divided into multiple electrode groups arranged in different directions. Each electrode group generates ions in a specific direction, and by combining multiple groups, uniform destaticization is achieved across the entire recording medium surface, preventing mist-like liquid adhesion to the discharge head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different electrode groups are positioned to address specific regions of the recording medium. The electrodes are arranged to create localized ion generation zones that collectively cover the entire area, ensuring each region receives appropriate destaticization treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If electrodes are arranged in a single direction, then the device structure is simple, but ion distribution becomes uneven causing destaticization problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode arrangementVSAvoidion balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Electrode groups are arranged in multiple directions rather than a single symmetric pattern. This asymmetric multi-directional arrangement ensures ions are generated and distributed uniformly across the recording medium from all directions, achieving proper ion balance and effective destaticization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If destaticization is performed only at one location, then the device is simple, but the recording medium sticks to the driving roller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedestaticizing portion arrangementVSAvoidsticking to driving roller

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The destaticizing portions are positioned upstream of the driving roller to perform destaticization before the recording medium reaches the roller. This preliminary action prevents electrification from occurring at the driving roller interface, eliminating sticking problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple destaticizing portions are arranged along the transport path to provide continuous destaticization. This ensures the recording medium remains destaticized throughout its journey, preventing sticking at any point where it contacts the driving roller or other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration effectively suppresses sticking to the driving roller, ensures accurate tension control, and prevents mist-like liquid adhesion to the discharge head, achieving reliable destaticization and improved printing quality.

Implementation Method 1

a first destaticizing portion which destaticizes the recording medium further on the upstream side in the predetermined direction than the driving roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon generation: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

there is a tendency for a large number of ions to be imparted being deviated to a part which opposes the electrode in the recording medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS10093116B2Printing apparatus and printing method

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

There is provided a printing apparatus including: a driving roller which drives a recording medium in a predetermined direction by rotation thereof; a supporting member which supports the recording medium further on the downstream side in the predetermined direction than the driving roller; a discharge head which is provided to oppose the supporting member and discharges liquid to the recording medium supported by the supporting member; a tension control portion which adjusts tension of the recording medium supported by the supporting member by controlling tension of the recording medium based on a result of detecting tension of the recording medium further on the downstream side in the predetermined direction than the driving roller; and a first destaticizing portion which destaticizes the recording medium further on the upstream side in the predetermined direction than the driving roller.